Ionizing Radiation Effect on PMMA Measured by Microhardness

Abstract

The experimental study deals with the effect of modification of the surface layer by irradiation cross-linking on the mechanical properties of the Poly (methyl methacrylate) - PMMA tested using the instrumented microhardness test. The surface layer of PMMA specimen made by injection technology was modified by irradiation cross-linking using beta irradiation, which significantly influences mechanical properties of the surface layer. Compared to the heat and chemical-heat treatment of metal materials (e.g. hardening, nitridation, case hardening), cross-linking in polymers affects the surfaces in micro layers. These mechanical changes of the surface layer are observed in the instrumented microhardness test. Our research confirms the comparable properties of surface layer of irradiated PMMA with highly efficient polymers. The subject of this research is the influence of irradiation dosage on the changes of mechanical properties of PMMA.